The metallurgy of the Sapalli culture is copper- based.
Precious metals were practically not used. The basic material in the Late
Bronze
Age I was copper containing arsenic, which could be alloyed when required with tin or lead. The alloying practice was highly variable,
with certain types of artefacts made exclusively of certain alloys (small kohl containers and seals, for example, were always made of
lead bronze). Much of the best crafted pieces were discovered in female grave inventories such as mirrors and hairpins.
Age I was copper containing arsenic, which could be alloyed when required with tin or lead. The alloying practice was highly variable,
with certain types of artefacts made exclusively of certain alloys (small kohl containers and seals, for example, were always made of
lead bronze). Much of the best crafted pieces were discovered in female grave inventories such as mirrors and hairpins.
Small bottle
Mirror
Hairpins
In the Late Bronze Age I, the material shows clear typological and technical links with the wider Near East and Iran, whereas in Late
Bronze Age II the proximity of the Eurasian Andronovo Culture is felt: tin bronze becomes the prevailing alloy and many objects betray
the typological influence of the northern steppe bronzes.
